The Mitsubishi Outlander is a flag-waving discipel for this manufacturer that is getting wheels rolling again in the United States.

The 2014 Outlander is all new with a new four-cylinder engine and an option for all-wheel drive that was evolved from the system used in the legendary Lancer Evolution sport sedan. The redesign adds seven air bags and seats for seven, with a smart, fold-flat third row. It’s smart because the large cargo capacity is more inviting than the small, extra seats.

Its traditional wagon-esque shape is now different in the current landscape of swoopy, aggressive lines in most other crossovers. The smooth styling gets visual texture from what look like laser-etched lines on a circuit board.

The treatment implies advanced technologies and many of the latest electronic driver aids and infotainment systems are available.

Outlander's traditional wagon-esque shape is now different in the current landscape of swoopy, aggressive lines in most other crossovers.

Front headroom is tall at 40.6 inches and the sightlines are unhindered.

If nothing else, the pricing should put the Outlander on the shopping list. Sold in three trim levels with two engine and transmission choices, starting prices range from $23,820 to $28,620 for the top-line 3.0 GT S-AWC, today’s test car. Building the confidence level is a strong warranty: 5-years/60,000-miles bumper to bumper and 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain.

With one option package, the tester was $34,720 with standard six-speed automatic transmission. The $6,100 GT Touring package, included navigation, leather upholstery, Rockford Fosgate audio, power tailgate and adaptive cruise control and lane departure and forward-collision warnings.

So for about $35,000, you can get a V-6, six-speed automatic, Super All-Wheel Control and real-time driver aids in a creatively styled package that is fairly enjoyable to drive. That’s something to consider when the average transaction price of a new car is $30,000.

There was much emphasis on weight savings for this third-generation model, which also will be offered as a plug-in hybrid model for 2015. Using more high-strength steel, the structure is more rigid and 220 pounds lighter, now with a curb weight of 3,571 pounds. That’s a little lighter than a Toyota RAV4, which doesn’t offer seven seats or a V-6.

Among the long list of safety features is a “Top Safety Pick+ (plus)” award from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. And top-line models with the Touring Package get a range of safety technologies, including Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control system.

The Outlander is the right size for an active family of four. It is tough and usable but not a blunderbuss in congested, urban conditions. Front headroom is tall at 40.6 inches and the sightlines are unhindered. The turning circle of 34.8 feet is incredibly maneuverable. There are soft-touch plastics in the upper areas that are seen and felt with harder stuff below where it won’t hurt to scuff it up. Super-wide high-intensity discharge headlights emit laser-sharp white beams. That’s an asset usually seen only on luxury cars.

The rear seats recline, there is more than three feet of legroom and the low center transmission tunnel allows decent center-seat comfort. The generous cargo area (with the third-row folded) has side boxes and basement storage.